SHARIAsource

This fatwa forbids a man from having more than four wives at once. If a man takes a subsequent wife or wives, at law, that woman or those women are not considered his wife/wives. A man that takes more than four wives must repent by:

1. reading the istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah);
2. expressing regret for his conduct;
3. leaving that conduct behind him; and
4. committing not to reoffend.

The man must also leave the woman/women and provide her/them with financial support, as well as financial support for any offspring resulting from their courtship/relationship. If the man refuses to comply with the above steps, the government must act to separate the man from the woman/women through the religious courts.